On Cloud 6 Walking Shoes Review
An in-depth review of minimalist, stylish shoes for walking, commuting, and traveling
December 15th, 2025
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Our verdict
The On Cloud 6 walking shoes are simple, comfortable walking and lifestyle shoes, designed for travelers, commuters, casual walkers, or anyone who likes On’s trendy, minimalist look.
On’s proprietary CloudTec midsole provides enough cushion for all-day comfort, while the Speedboard technology encourages a pep in the step for a smooth ride. With a speed lacing system, this shoe can be slipped on and off with ease, while the snug heel cup and midfoot fit keep it comfortably in place. The upper is breathable and durable. And all this is packaged in On’s signature trendy, minimalist style.
After all our testing, the On Cloud 6 stands out as a lifestyle shoe that holds its own as a walking shoe. It’s trendy, comfortable and breathable for long days of travel or commuting, and offers enough support for daily walks.
Women's
men's
I tested the On Cloud 6 shoes during the summer, fall, and winter months in Colorado and during the fall in Michigan. I walked on sidewalks, dirt roads, and gravel patches. I commuted around the city in these shoes, and I wore them during 7-hour brewery shifts to assess all-day comfort. I even wore these shoes while recovering from hip replacement surgery. Additionally, I tested these shoes alongside other walking shoes, like the HOKA Bondi SR, the On Cloudaway 2, and more.
While the On Cloud 6 works as a walking shoe, it’s more designed for travel and casual wear. The tread design makes it easy for small rocks to wedge into the outsole, which isn’t the grippiest to begin with, so I wouldn’t recommend these shoes for heavy walking use or walks that transition to rougher surfaces such as gravel or trails. And for the price, I only recommend this shoe for those who like its style and will wear them frequently enough to justify the price.
While the On Cloud 6 isn’t a rugged, off-roading shoe, it’s comfortable for long days on your feet and a worthwhile option for travelers, commuters, and anyone who likes the On style and wants a lifestyle shoe they can go on walks in.
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On Cloud 6 Specifications
Price: $160
Weight (per shoe): 7.6 oz (women’s), 9.4 oz (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
Stack height (heel/forefoot mm): 28/20 mm
Cushion level: Moderate-Maximum
Upper materials: Recycled polyester
Midsole materials: Cloudtec, Speedboard
Outsole material: Rubber
Available sizes and widths: 5-12 (women’s), 7-15 (men’s); regular only
Suitable for vegans: Yes
Comparison table
| WALKING SHOE | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (PAIR) | MEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | HEEL/ TOE STACK | DROP | CUSHION | OUTSOLE | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Cloud 6 Women's Men's |
15.2 oz | 1 lb, 2.8 oz | 28/20 mm | 8 mm | Balanced | Rubber | $160 |
| On Cloudaway 2 Women's Men's |
1 lb, 0.8 oz | 1 lb, 4 oz | 25/31 mm | 6 mm | Moderate-Maximum | Missiongrip | $160 |
| HOKA Bondi 9 Women's Men's |
1 lb, 2 oz | 1 lb, 5 oz | 40.5/ 35.5 mm | 5 mm | Maximum | 80% rubber/20% EVA | $175 |
| HOKA Bondi SR Women's Men's |
1 lb, 7.4 oz | 1 lb, 11.8 oz | 41/ 35 mm | 6 mm | Maximum | Rubber | $180 |
| HOKA Clifton 10 Women's Men's |
1 lb, 1.1 oz | 1 lb, 3.2 oz | 37.6/ 30.4 mm | 7.2 mm | Maximum | 77% rubber/23% EVA | $155 |
Best for
Travelers who want a stylish shoe with all-day comfort
Commuters and people who spend long days on their feet
Walkers who want a trendy lifestyle shoe that doesn’t look like a walking-specific shoe
People who work on their feet all day and don’t need grippy traction, like teachers
What we liked
Comfortable cushioning for long days
Easy no-tie lacing system
Sleek, minimalist look can be a plus for those who like this style
What could be better
Tread design–small rocks are easily stuck in the outsole
No wide sizing option
Not ideal for walks that transition to trail
How we tested
I tested the On Cloud 6 in women’s regular sizing (it is not available in wide widths). I wore them over several months on daily walks around the neighborhood, from sunny summer days to crisp late autumn days.
In addition to lots of walking and commuting around the city, I wore them during 7-hour shifts at a brewery to assess how comfortable they’d be over extended periods on our feet. While recovering from hip replacement surgery, I wore these easy-to-slip-on shoes (until I could manage wiggling on the sturdier HOKA Bondi SRs).
For the most part, I tested these on city sidewalks, paved bike paths, and indoor flooring. Whenever we’d go off-roading (e.g., cross over dirt or gravel patches), small rocks would often wedge into the tread. Since this was annoying, I rarely took them off paved or smooth surfaces.
I also tested the On Cloud 6 alongside other similar walking shoe models, like the On Cloudaway 2, HOKA Transport, HOKA Bondi SR, and Icebug Mosi RB9X. I tested for comfort, cushioning, fit, stability, traction, style, and any noticeable features.
Performance in the Field
The outsole of the On Cloud 6 isn’t the grippiest, but it’s effective for long days of travel, commuting, and casual walking.
Fit and feel
The On Cloud 6 fit true to size. They are narrower than other walking shoes, like HOKAs, and do not come in wide sizing. This version has been updated, though, with a wider opening for a broader fit than the previous models. Our tester has average-to-narrow feet and found them perfectly comfortable, so if you have wide feet, you may want to try them on before purchasing.
The upper is breathable and comfortable, and the heel cup fits snugly around the ankle. I experienced no issues with blisters or hot spots, even right out of the box.
Ride and responsiveness
On’s proprietary midsole technology gives these shoes a comfortable, smooth ride. The Cloudtec cushioning is comfortable for all-day wear, and the Speedboard in the midsole encourages some responsiveness that feels like a little pep in your step. The energy return isn’t quite as strong as it is in their road running shoes, like the On Cloudmonster or On Cloudeclipse, but it's enough to feel energized on daily walks.
The stack height of these shoes is a little over half of the HOKA Bondi SR, which means less cushion and protection underfoot. However, I wouldn’t say you get a ton of groundfeel–the On Cloud 6 still has 28/20 mm of stack, which is plenty of protection on sidewalks, while commuting, and for wear around town.
Cushioning
The Cloudtec midsole offers a moderate-to-maximum amount of cushioning. While not quite as plush as the HOKA Bondi SR, it is cushioned enough for all-day comfort. The moderate stack of 28/20 mm offers enough ground protection for the shoe’s intended casual wear, neighborhood walking, and work commuting. Even during a 7-hour brewery shift–which I wouldn’t necessarily recommend as an ideal use for these shoes–our feet were plenty comfortable.
Traction and grip
The On Cloud 6 offers enough traction for its intended uses, which are casual/daily wear, walks on paved surfaces, work commuting, and similar uses. I would not recommend these shoes for anyone looking to also hike in their walking shoes, as the traction is not grippy enough.
Perhaps our biggest gripe with this shoe is the outsole design, which has lots of pockets where small rocks are easily wedged. Even while walking on city sidewalks, I found that the occasional pebble would get stuck in the bottom of the shoe, which was annoying as we’d have to stop and pick it out. If most of your walks will be on smooth, debris-free surfaces, this shouldn’t be a big deal.
The outsole of the On Cloud 6 is prone to rocks getting stuck.
Breathability and upper
The recycled polyester upper is plenty breathable for casual walking. The material feels strong, and after several months, I haven’t noticed any durability issues.
Stability and support
The On Cloud 6 shoes are low profile and minimalist in appearance, and do not offer the same level of stability and support as the bulkier HOKA Bondi SR. If you’ll be using these shoes for casual wear and neighborhood walking, you should be just fine with the minimal stability and support, but if you plan on walking fast, far, or on potentially uneven surfaces, you may want to consider a shoe with more stability and support.
Weight and efficiency
These shoes are lightweight–only 7.6 oz per women’s shoe and 9.4 oz per men’s shoe–which contributes to their all-day comfort. The Cloud 6 is a great option for those who are prioritizing a slim, lightweight, stylish shoe.
Durability and longevity
The On Cloud 6 comes with extra laces in case you prefer traditional lacing.
For casual wear and walking, I expect these shoes to last a long time. The midsole would likely break down first as it's the least durable material in the shoe. Some customer reviews have noted that the laces stretch out over time and require frequent re-tightening.
If you use these shoes as they’re intended, you’d likely want a different style before actually needing a new pair of shoes. So while the shoes are on the more expensive side, if you know you like the style and will wear them, it’s a pretty good value.
Features
close-up of a green On Cloud 6 upper
Drop measurement and impact
The 8mm drop is on the higher end for walking shoes, but it isn’t particularly noticeable while walking. This might only be an issue for those accustomed to zero-drop shoes from brands like Altra, Topo, and Xero, in which case I recommend easing into higher-drop shoes gradually.
Stack height
The stack height of the On Cloud 6 is 28/20 mm. This is not as high as the HOKA Bondi SR, but it’s high enough to provide cushion for all-day support and prevent much groundfeel.
Since the On Cloud 6 is easy to slip on, I opted for them in the early stages of hip replacement surgery.
Lacing system
The On Cloud 6 uses a “speed” lacing system that essentially requires no manual lacing or tying. This means the fit is looser, but you can tighten and retie the cords at the end if you want a tighter fit. I appreciated this looser fit while in the early stages of hip replacement surgery, as they were easy to slip on.
These shoes also come with an extra pair of laces if you prefer a more traditional shoe lacing.
Heel tab design
There isn’t a heel tab on this shoe, but due to the looser fit at the heel, it is not difficult to slip this shoe on.
Sockliner
The On Cloud 6 features a sockliner. This is not a particularly noticeable feature, but it does make the shoe more comfortable and helps with moisture management.
Reflective elements
While the On logo is reflective, I would not recommend relying on that for nighttime visibility. If reflectivity is a priority because you’ll be walking at night, check out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide.
Colorway options
Currently, the On Cloud 6 comes in 12 colorways for women and 11 for men, ranging from neutrals to more vibrant color options.
Waterproofing
The On Cloud 6 is also available in a waterproof version.
Sustainability
The On Cloud 6 midsole is made with 50% bio-attributed Zero-Gravity foam, which uses renewable materials from ISCC+ certified bio feedstock (e.g., waste cooking oil). This reduces the CO2 footprint of the bottom unit (outsole and midsole) by 20%.
On is also working to cut out fossil fuel use. They’re also transparent about who supplies the materials for their shoes on their website. You can read more about On’s sustainability efforts on their website.
As far as shipping materials go, On is relatively efficient in their packaging. Boxes aren’t too big and aren't stuffed with a bunch of plastic or paper. While certainly not the best in this category, they at least use fewer packaging materials than HOKA and make it easier to recycle.
Who should buy the On Cloud 6 walking shoes
Buy if you’re looking for a casual lifestyle shoe with enough cushion for long travel days, commuting, and strolls around the neighborhood.
Buy if you like the trendy style of the On Cloud 6 shoes and will wear them often.
Skip if you want a shoe that transitions to trails or rougher surfaces, or a shoe with more cushion and stability for more serious walking.
Skip also if you don’t love the style of the On Cloud 6, as you’re not likely to wear it.
Women's
men's
Where to buy
The On Cloud 6 shoes are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Zappos
Pros: 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Similar products
On Cloudaway 2
Price: $160
Weight (per shoe): 8.4 oz (women’s), 10 oz (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
Cushion level: Moderate-Maximum
Upper materials: Recycled polyester
Midsole materials: CloudTec, Speedboard
Outsole material: Missiongrip
The On Cloudaway 2 is a hybrid shoe designed for transitioning from casual wear to adventure. It’s water-repellent with a grippy outsole, so it handles “off-roading” much better than the On Cloud 6 (unfortunately, the outsole design for both shoes makes it easy for rocks to get stuck there). This shoe also has a pull-tab lacing design for easy adjustment. If you like the style of On shoes but want something that can handle a little more rugged terrain and weather, the On
On Cloudaway 2
Women's
men's
HOKA Bondi SR
Price: $180
Weight (per shoe): 11.5 oz (women’s), 14 oz (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 6 mm
Cushion level: Maximum (Plush)
Upper materials: Water-resistant leather
Midsole materials: EVA
Outsole material: Rubber
The HOKA Bondi SR is a burlier, heavier walking shoe with more cushion and stability than the On Cloud 6. The Bondi SR is slip resistant and designed for folks who work on their feet all day, like healthcare workers, service industry workers, and educators. If you’re not into On’s sleek, minimalist look and prefer HOKA’s chunkier style, and you want a walking shoe with better traction and more cushion, the HOKA Bondi SR is a great option.
HOKA Bondi SR
Women's
men's
Price: $150
Weight (per shoe): 9 oz
Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
Cushion level: Moderate-Maximum
Upper materials: Knitted engineered mesh of 100% recycled and solution dyed PET polyester yarn
Midsole materials: EVA (with 20% BLOOM foam)
Outsole material: RB9X non-studded traction rubber
The Icebug RB 9X, like the On Cloud 6, is more of a lifestyle shoe than a hardcore walking shoe. This shoe has a breathable upper and enough cushion for long travel and commuting days. The traction is better and can handle more varied terrain, and this shoe has more of a traditional-shoe look than the On Cloud 6. However, both shoes are comfortable and serve similar functions, so it may come down to which style you prefer.
Icebug is also transparent about each shoe’s footprint and materials. The upper of the Mosi RB9X is made of bluesign, solution-dyed, and 100% recycled, GRS-certified PET polyester. The midsole EVA contains 20% BLOOM foam, and the Milspeed inner heel and toe reinforcements are made of 60% recycled plastic (out of which 11-12% are recycled nylon fishing nets).
Icebug Mosi RB9X
Why you should trust us / About the Author
After being diagnosed with hip arthritis in 2020, long-time runner Becca Downs began incorporating more walking into her daily routine. And after recently receiving hip replacement surgery, she walks several times a day as part of her recovery plan. On top of all that, she loves traveling and finding the best versatile footwear for her trips, which typically include long days on her feet and a variety of activities.
Becca ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!).
After notching a few small FKTs under her belt, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, crewing, writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, snowshoeing, and running as much as her hip allows. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the Mile-High MFA Program at Regis University. Becca is based in Denver, Colorado.
You can find her at her website, Instagram, and her Treeline Review author page.
